FOX31 Denver

Driver of semi that caused deadly, fiery I-70 crash arrested

LAKEWOOD, Colo. — The driver of a semi-truck that caused a 28-vehicle crash on Interstate 70 on Thursday evening has been arrested on suspicion of multiple vehicular homicide charges, the Lakewood Police Department said Friday morning.

The driver was identified as 23-year-old Rogel Lazaro Aguilera-Mederos, from Houston. He was born in Cuba and was living in the U.S. legally with a green card.

Ty Countryman with the Lakewood Police Department said that 24 cars and four semis were involved in the crash, which killed at least four people.

Six people were taken to the hospital because of the crash, police said but there were no updates on their conditions.

Aguilera-Mederos was injured in the crash, but not severely. Police said that the charges he faces are because of interviews and evidence that was gathered by authorities overnight.

Charges are expected to be formally filed on May 3.

Authorities said there is no indication it was intentional and they do not believe drugs or alcohol were a factor.

The crash happened in the eastbound lanes of the interstate near Denver West Colorado Mills Parkway in Lakewood just before 5 p.m. on Thursday.

Video captured by a YouTuber appeared to show the semi speeding down the shoulder of the interstate moments before the crash happened.

Both directions of the interstate had reopened by about 8:15 p.m. Friday.